Note 2 — Chapter XLIX · THE ISLAND OF SAKHALIN.

I am not aware that any efforts have been made for the educational or spiritual improvement of the Aïnos of Sakhalin. Veniaminoff reduced to writing the language of the neighbouring Kuriles, published a grammar, and translated the Gospel of St. Matthew, which was printed at Moscow in 1840. When at Hakodate I was informed that the missionaries contemplated work among the Aïnos in Yesso, the northern island of Japan, and I found this, on my return, to be desired by the late Henry Wright, Honorary Secretary of the Church Missionary Society, but I am not aware that any efforts have yet been put forth for the Aïnos of Sakhalin.